HISTORY

The Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council, Inc. (EOC) is a not for profit organization whose mission is to empower low-income individuals with the skills, training, knowledge, advocacy and opportunities to help themselves become economically self-sufficient.

The EOC became incorporated in 1973, when several disparate groups including a local welfare rights organization and the County Board of Supervisors joined forces and were successful in becoming funded. In 1980 the EOC was officially recognized as the Community Action Agency for Saratoga County. The EOC is governed by a board of directors, which truly represents the larger community and consists of local business, government and low-income individuals.  

EOC has developed and implemented a multitude of programs with public sector funds both federal and state. EOC has run the Women, Infant and Children program since 1980. WIC has contributed to the growth and development of over 2000 infants and children under five annually, delivering nutrition services to their families. EOC was awarded the Weatherization Assistance Program contract in the 1970's and has operated a successful program since its inception. In 1998 EOC was also awarded the Weatherization Assistance Program contract for adjoining Schenectady County, due to our excellent record of program management and the ability to meet and exceed program goals. In 1986, we were awarded a one time discretionary grant to begin a Soup Kitchen on a one day per week basis. In 2008, now renamed our Community Lunch Program, we serve meals six days per week, sometimes exceeding over 100 lunches a day. The Community Lunch Program is now funded entirely by donations. EOC currently offers crisis intervention, advocacy and referral services in conjunction with a three day per week emergency food pantry. In addition, EOC offers long term family development services for our customers.  Wheels for Work, an initiative to provide transportation to individuals supporting a minor child in order to maintain or obtain employment, was added in 2004.  In December of 2005, the agency acquired the Head Start program for Saratoga County.  This program, formally run by the Ballston Spa School District, has been providing services to families for over 30 years in Saratoga County.  Also in 2005, EOC started the Latino Community Advocacy Program.  This fledgling program is currently providing English as a Second Language classes as well as advocacy and interpretation services to immigrants in our county.  Dress to Succeed is a special project of the EOC Board of Directors and was added to the agency in 2007 to provide clothing suitable for a work environment to our low-income customers.

The Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council, Inc. is a registered New York State charity. To find our more about donating to EOC click here.